Friday, July 13, 2018

Tassie wintry mornings are what magic is made of!

Winter is in full swing down here at the bottom of the world. Both Maisie and I haven't let the frigid and icy fingers of Ol' Man Winter and Jack Frost dampen our desire for our early morning walks.  My trusty spaniel is always up for an early morning adventure. Indeed, if you don't drag yourself out of your cosy bed jump out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, you miss the magic of those early dawn skies. For if you are laggard, the drama and enchantment of the early skies can disappear in an instant.  The majesty appears for but a moment and then vanishes the next. And.....believe you me the skies, just before Ol' Man Sun peeps over the horizon and slowly arises is not to be missed. The theatre of the skies at first light; luminous, lucent, prismatic; is truly one of the most spectacular sights to see......and I might add, free for all to witness.

Most mornings me and my faithful shadow set out at first light with the waning, milky moon smiling down at us in the predawn sky. It sits there glimmering faintly, a slowly disappearing beacon as our footsteps crunch upon the ice-sheathed ground below us. I love the sound of footsteps upon the white shards of ice encrustations which smother the earth below. We stroll along many different paths. We follow the patterns, the dancing light in the sky. There is hushed beauty everywhere. Just Maisie and me, and the cows sleepily looking at us. Sometimes there is the very occasional sound of a faraway car journeying to it's owners place of work. There is not a soul in sight......even the farmers are a no show.



Some mornings are shrouded in the most beautiful mist. Love, love, love wintry mornings that are aglow in a veil of ghostly, opaque fog. Love strolling along the path with the blurred silhouettes of ancient, giant trees looming in the shadows. I almost expect to see a gothic character, akin to Heathcliff emerging from the mist........but then I remember, silly me, my Heathcliff is home tending the fire, keeping the home fires burning and cooking breakfast. =)




You never really know what beauty awaits you. Some mornings the skies are blue as blue and some mornings the sunrise paints exquisite, pigmented clouds as the sunlight dances through the sky.  Winter skies where clouds are splashed here and there are my favourite as the vibrant, impressionistic nebulous masses are astonishing in their chromaticity. Is it my imagination but do Winter and Autumn skies appear more spectacular than those of Summer and Spring?? I don't think so. I read the other day that there are scientific reasons why the skies appear more intensified in Autumn and Winter, but frankly as I am no scientist I could not begin to elucidate to you the scientific facts.

Then Ol' Man Sun peeps over the hills and the astonishment continues, bringing a brilliance to the dawn. Each sunrise fills me with awe at the light show before me. A light show filled with colour and pattern casting sunbeams everywhere illuminating all around me. I stand in my open air cathedral, always marvelling at the artistry and majesty of my Heavenly Father.




Each morning with the distant opalescent hills before me, as I witness yet another miraculous sunrise I am reminded of Psalm 121, my favourite, which says: 

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, whom made heaven and earth..........."

Beautiful rhythmic words, beautiful assurance; words which humble me, words which I hide in my heart each splendorous morning as I experience the grandeur of this landscape.



May each one of you marvel at the wondrous miracle of each new day. From this frozen but beautiful li'l corner of the world, wishing all you lovelies a most beautiful weekend.

Until the next time.............




Linking up this month to the lovely Soma's Wandering Camera

64 comments:

  1. Wow Kim your pics are amazing you are making me feel like I should be walking too early in the morning ,lol. What a wonderful experience to see all the beautiful views,thankyou for sharing my friend xx

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  2. What a beautiful post and writing, so much the way I try to live as well, appreciating the moments in nature, being quiet to marvel at the beauty surrounding us.

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  3. You live in a beautiful place :-) God shows us so much beauty because He knows hoe much we needed it :-)

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    1. Indeed He does, Maria. Thank you for your sweet visit and comments, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  4. BEAUTIFUL!!! Here we are sweltering in western NY while you guys down under have this beautiful scene, smiles. Have a lovely weekend friend.

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  5. Your photos are stunning. Thank you for sharing your walk. And it's always a delight to see Maisie :)

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  6. Love the photos and the wording is exceptional. The Lord really blessed us with a lot of beauty despite the mess we can make of everything. Enjoy Maisie as much as possible. I just lost my precious little one-she battled cancer since 2012 and they predicted she wouldn't make it past the end of 2013 but God blessed us with more years but it's never enough. Life seems so empty when you lose a loved one, especially one that loved you no matter how you looked, how fat or skinny you were, if you were in a grumpy mood. Such unconditional love in return for providing the basics of life to them. I'll always love and miss her. I needed to see some beauty through my tears today, thank you.

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  7. Gorgeous pictures !!!!!!!Thanks for sharing those beauties !!!!
    Have a cozy weekend !
    Anna

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  8. You have such a beautiful dog, the photo that you took of him is incredible. All of these photos are amazing. Thanks for the share, really enjoyed seeing this post. Hope you have a great weekend.
    World of Animals

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    1. Yes, my Maisie is the sweetest dog and the perfect walking companion. Thank you for visiting and for your lovely comments. Kim Xx

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  9. Oh, your fog and winter photos are amazing.
    I am so glad that it is so warm here, usually our little country has a lot of rain, but now the heat has dominating for weeks.
    Hugs, my friend.♥

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    1. Wonderful that reference to Heathcliff, but it is your own sweetheart that makes your breakfast!
      You're right, in those early silent morning hours you enjoy nature, and you think of the Creator, Who has made everything so wonderful!

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    2. Hehe.....yes my husband mostly makes me breakfast in time for my return. Me thinks I will keep him! =) The mists here always remind me of those gothic figures such as Heathcliff, Edward Rochester and the like. One never knows who or what will step out of the misty shadows. As for the beautiful nature, I am always amazed and astonished by the "Creator's" handiwork. The beauty always moves me. Thank you so much, lovely Loes for popping by my little corner of the world. Your visits and indeed your beautiful comments always bring a smile to my day. Kim Xx

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  10. Gorgeous! You are making the very most of your daily walks. Good girl! I bet you bundle up! Remember in Sound of Music when Maria quoted that verse? So true!

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  11. Your words and the pictures are absolutely beautiful! I can't imagine it being wintertime where you are. You really do write beautifully.

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  12. Beautiful stunning photos Kim. I know I have said this before, but I truly do think you should make some into postcards - they are just stunning!! I went early yesterday morning to help the Mr milk the cows & the paddocks were clouded in mist, just like your photos .... the dear old girls (cows) come strolling slowly out of the mist like other worldly beings. It was magical but I had forgotten my camera.

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  13. It's like a whole other magical world before the sun comes up. Those are great photos. I can see why you love early morning walks with Maisie. You are delightful sweet Kim! Your words speak to my heart. How truly blessed we really are. That Psalm is perfect to reflect upon this weekend while we go about our days. Bless you sweet friend!
    xx Beca

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  14. Oh Kim, these photos are just beyond breathtaking. You have truly captured so many gorgeous images from your early morning walk...I can almost hear the Father whispering His love for us by painting such wondrous masterpieces! You are right about those winter skies...I see the most amazing ones in the months of January and February around here. Thank you for sharing these beautiful moments! Blessings!

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  15. Wow your words and your pictures sure bring the day to life for me, I love misty mornings and those colors are just amazing in the sunrise. It is hard not to bring all praise and glory to God when viewing his wondrous creation, and start off the day with him bringing light into our lives each and every day!!

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  16. Such lovely pictures for us all to enjoy. can just hear the crunching as I walk the dog across that frosted field.

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  17. Hi Kim, your photos of the dawn are stunning. I could really kick myself for not getting in touch before we visited Tasmania 18 months ago. Which area do you live in? We only had 4 days tacked onto our NZ trip but we loved it

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  18. Dear Kim, you made my day! We are in the midst of a very dry heatwave here in Missouri and your gorgeous wintry morning photos reminded me of cooler times! We really do need to cherish each moment that God gives us. I love when you ‘take us along’ on your morning walks with Maisie. You inspire me to get up a bit earlier and take a morning walk with Sallie and Ranger. (Even it’s hot and muggy!). Wishing you a warm and wonderful week, Kim! Zenda

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  19. These dawn pictures are so beautiful. Do you mind if I save one to use in a color scheme program?
    xx, Carol

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  20. Very beautiful pictures, Kim. I love the different shades of purple and the light casting blue on the hills. Maisie looks pleased to be off for such a wonderous stroll.

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    1. Thank you, lovely Dixie. Maisie always has an expectant look in her eyes each morning, ready for an adventure. I don't know if we could call her morning encounter with dawn a stroll....more like a run at breakneck speed down and up the country paths and across the paddocks. Wish oh wish I could run like her. Wish oh wish I could just run. =) Kim Xx

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  21. Marvellous photos, well captured magic moments. Such a lot of beauty! We are living deep in summertime (very dry) and I've enjoyed your post. Longing for mists...
    Have a nice silent weekend in warm clothes

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  22. You captured some wonderful shots. So very, very pretty! I love the frost.

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  23. Amazing pictures - but it's the words, like poetry, that accompany them that paint the scene so wonderfully. Well done! I definitely notice the difference in the sunrise colours between summer and winter and between the sunrises and sunsets too. Got into that discussion the other day with someone who wanted to insist that the colours are the same and couldn't understand why I wanted more muted shades of yellows for the rising.

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  24. Oh my!!!! your photography is amazing! Mankind makes some beautiful things but Mother Nature.....xxx

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  25. Your majestic pictures Kim, accompanied with your enchanting narrative makes this a precious read celebrating life. Thank you for making my morning magical! I hope it lasts throughout the day!!!

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  26. Beautiful, beautiful pictures and yes, a magical time of day. xx

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  27. Thank you. Yes, a simple thank you for sharing your early morning walk and glorious pictures with us all. I do think being with nature makes us more aware of the magnificence of the world God made. I feel as though I've made that quiet walk with you and Maisie. Great Saturday and I expect the same today.

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  28. Kim, what gorgeous shots! Early rising certainly has it's rewards. While you are enjoying winter we are having an unusually hot summer. Now wanting to wish the time away, but I am hoping it cools down a little. Have a blessed week!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Jann, you up there thinking about cooler days and me down here hoping for warmer ones. But as you say, not wanting to wish my days away I will just continue to soak up my gorgeous early morning walks. Kim Xx

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  29. Oh Kim, you are so right with your description of your "open air Cathedral"! My goodness, my friend, your photos are as magical as your sewing project/knitting creations. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your part of the world. I'm glad that your Heathcliff was busy preparing your breakfast, which I'm sure you were most grateful for. Love and blessings to you.

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  30. Oh that cold, crisp air looks so good right about now in our hot humid weather. The pictures are just stunning. You have captured the feeling of a perfect winter morning!

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  31. Oh, Kim... Your photographs of the early mornings and mist are simply stunning! They remind me of the beautiful winter mornings we had on the farm... I also loved going for early walks and enjoying the fresh air before the rest of the world awoke! Lovely to visit with you today... Blessings!

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  32. WoW, WoW, WoW!!! what beautiful images, gorgeous views!! i love winter, everything about it. right now, it is so hot here in new jersey - i long for crisp, cool days and sunrises that take your breath away! i love the dew on the grass, the bare trees and the ice on the branches. it was so nice to come here and take a break from summer and enjoy a little bit of winter!!

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  33. I agree with all your commenters: amazing, beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing them.

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  34. I know you don't like winter like I do, but you sure are making the best of it. Beautiful misty foggy mornings, and not to mention the colours, all to be shared with a perfect companion Ms. Maisie! :)

    -Soma

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  35. Oh it is worth going up extra early to witness such beauty.Thank you for sharing!x

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  36. You were on a tear with this post - such prose and images to match! I am not much of a morning person, especially since I retired (I spent years getting up at 5 am!) but I think I will make an effort a few times a week since I am sure that I am missing a lot of beauty in the morning! Enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Angie. Yes, one has to 'spring' out of bed very early to capture the magic that a sunrise brings to the day. BUT.....it is so worth it....the sunrise never fails to astonish. I would imagine the beautiful place you call home awaits you with amazing early morning surprises. =) As always your sweet visit has delighted my day. Kim Xx

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  37. beautiful and evocative views and what a beautiful face your dog has <3 <3 <3c

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  38. My sweet Maisie does have a beautiful face, doesn't she. Love our morning walks together. Thank you for your delightful visit. Kim Xx

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  39. Kim, I thought I had commented but I don't see that I did. Oh your Maisie is such a love bug! Sweet smile! It must be heaven going for those lovely walks so early in the morning together.

    I did add a Blog follow gadget in my left sidebar under the search bar. xx

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  40. your photos are stunning, full of character and climate :)

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    1. Thank you so much. It is lovely of you to visit my misty, little wintry place. Kim Xx

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  41. Sweet sweet Kim! What a joy to drop by for a visit today, as we are in the heat of summer, and you are in the cold of winter! Such a lovely joy it was to stroll along with you along your incredible morning walks with Maisie! Oh I do think that the sunsets are so much more vibrant in winter, perhaps more clouds in the sky? I don't know the scientific explanation either, but the winter sunsets are incredible drops of joy in an otherwise gray sky. Beautiful amazing vistas paired with your gorgeous word images, just an incredible delight today to visit with you! I love to walk in the early morning of winter as well, there is nothing to compare with the hues of color as they burst forth on the landscape. Truly magnificent, and praise rings forth from my lips at the sight, and I know how much joy the two of us would have together if we could! Many blessings to you my sweet dear friend!

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  42. Such beautiful images. Dreamy wonderful. Love the frost on the lichen photo.

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  43. What a gorgeous walk you have! and your trusty companion could not be any cuter! I am glad he makes you get up out of the cosy bed - beautiful photos!!

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  44. I am so glad you you linked this post, Kim! I love those misty morning purple and pink hues and it is ALWAYS great to see Miss Maisie's sweet face.

    Thank you again for linking up on Wandering Camera :)

    -Soma xx

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  45. Winter is not my favourite time of the year, but your pictures remind me of how beautiful it can be and of the subtleties of light and colour it brings.

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  46. Gorgeous shots! I love misty mornings. I'm imagining myself in your gorgeous country, hoping it'll cool me down as it's HOT in my neck of the woods.

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  47. Thank you for the lovely journey this morning. I too wake up before the crack of dawn. Since it is summer I'm out swimming in my pool as the sun comes up - just lovely to behold. Just seeing it causes me to thank God for his blessings. Although I admit those clouds in your pictures make the sky even prettier.

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  48. Oh, Kim! Those eyes! Maisie is adorable, and obviously looking forward to her walk!
    Such lovely misty pictures with those beautiful purple/pink and deep blue skies, oh, even the frost looks lovely! But you’ve kind of made me appreciate this heat wave we’re having here in the U.K.
    😊 thank you for sharing those wonderful views, and I do hope you are keeping warm!
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx

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  49. What beautiful photos, Kim!!! I am not a morning person, but you have almost convinced me to give it a try. Hubby is always telling me I should get up before the sun.

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  50. Thank you for sharing such wonderful photos. I´m a morning person and used to enjoy my early morning walks when our dog was alive. Love to enjoy the awakening day

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  51. I’m struggling with the quiet in my life right now...yet your post gave me hope, helped me to see my loneliness in a new perspective, my husband is working long hours. our daughter and son in law got a divorce this summer. It’s forthe better...but never the less new normals take time to adjust too,..so thank you for your Inspirational post. ❤️

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